Former Knox County mayor Tim Burchett has won the election to represent East Tennessee's 2nd District U.S. House seat, according to unofficial returns.

The new congressman-elect took the stage inside a ballroom at the Crowne Plaza hotel downtown to a standing ovation from Knox County Republicans.

"The House (of Representatives) was created to represent the people — the farmers, the mechanics, the people who go to work every day," Burchett said. "Those seats belong to you all, the people, and I won't ever forget that."

Democratic rival Renee Hoyos conceded to a round of applause after 10 p.m.

"I want to thank all of you so much for all of the work that you've done, not just for me but all the candidates. When I started I had a couple of things that I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to make sure that no PAC money influenced the race. People told me you had to run negative and we didn't do that in this race."

She offered her best wishes to Burchett and said she hopes "he'll listen to us as he moves forward as a congressman."

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Tim Burchett is congratulated by supporters at the Knox County GOP election party on Tuesday at the Crown Plaza hotel.(Photo: Saul Young/News Sentinel)

Burchett will be the first congressman not named Duncan to occupy the seat in 54 years. Early voting totals for Knox, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne and Jefferson counties — which make up the bulk of the district — showed Burchett with a lead of about 72 percent of the vote.

Hoyos, the executive director of the Tennessee Clean Water Network since 2003, focused her campaign on health care, education and fighting opioid abuse. Early voting returns showed Hoyos lagging with about 27 percent of the vote.

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Renee Hoyos gives a supporter a hug after conceding the race during the Knox County Democratic Watch Party at The Standard in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

"We had a great campaign, and I'm really grateful to our team," Hoyos said. "The results have way exceeded my expectations."

Contrasting campaigns

The pair offered voters a stark contrast on issues, in styles and on most other fronts. Burchett has held public office for 24 years since he won an election as a state representative from West Knox County.

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Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for Tennessee Second Congressional District, gives her speech during Knoxville's Democratic watch party at the Foundry in Knoxville on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos addresses the crowd during an event to showcase the properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project along Daily Street and Brooks Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess, Amy Smotherman Burgess/Knoxville News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for Tennessee Second Congressional District, mingles with supporters during Knoxville's Democratic watch party at the Foundry in Knoxville on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, at the podium, with Tennessee Clean Water Network holds a press conference at Volunteer Landing in front of a large inflatable fish to draw attention to mercury contamination of our waterways. Hoyos called on congressional representatives to encourage the EPA to require greater reductions of mercury pollution from power plants emissions. 6/16/2004 Michael Patrick, Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Sunday, October 5, 2008
Renee Hoyos photographs some of the construction work at Rushland Park subdivision Monday looking for examples of where the developers may or may not have controlled the water runoff from a construction site. Hoyos is the executive director of the Tennessee Clean Water Network, an organization dedicated to improving water quality in Tennessee.
SAUL YOUNG, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, Diannah Miller, and Leon Christion withe the Tennessee Clean Water Network, and Barry Sulken with the Tennessee public employees for environmental responsibility spread a tarp over the top of a slag heap behind the old Smoky Mountain Smelters plant in Vestal.
10/14/04 Amy Smotherman, Amy Smotherman/News Sentinel

Dressed in matching scarves made by Kim Dukes and holiday hats, the Karns Democratic Party (6th District) prepares to walk in the Karns Holiday Parade. They passed out all 700 flags made in the USA to the large crowd who turned out to welcome Santa to Karns. In addition to the flags, the group carried cutouts of famous Democrats, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Al Gore and President John Kennedy.
Pictured at the parade are: (back) Linda Haney, Simon Jolly, Shannon Webb, Marty McClean, Renee Hoyos (candidate for District 2 U.S. Representative), Cody Biggs (candidate for Knox County District 3 County Commission), Daniel Gerke, Andrea Truan, Mary Hall, Jenny Egelston, Marianne May, Janice Spoone; (front) Savannah Truan, Drew Freshour, Bobbie Steele, Sherri Steele, Zoe Gerke, Joey Egelston and Willa Reister. Not shown: Doug Veum, Issac Sherman, Nan Scott. Submitted by Kellie May

Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from the Second District, spoke to an enthusiastic gathering at the Casual Pint in Hardin Valley hosted by the 6th District of the Knox County Democratic Party. Pictured are Mike Knapp, District 6 Democratic co-representative, Hoyos, and Kellie May, District 6 Democratic co-representative. Submitted by Frank Schingle

Kelly Segars, Renee Hoyos and Mary Pom Claiborne are given a golf cart ride back to their car by Brian Campbell at the conclusion of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Hats in Bloom submitted

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos watches a goat at the Williams Creek Urban Forest in East Knoxville Wednesday, July 15, 2015. The goats are returning for a third year to clear brush and invasive plants from the site. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos, left, leads a tour along Dailey Street highlighting properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel

Knoxville city councilmen Daniel Brown, left, and Mark Campen, center, talk with Tennessee Clean Water Network Director Renee Hoyos during an event to showcase the properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project along Daily Street and Brooks Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks to a crowd after winning the GOP primary to replace Republican Rep. John Duncan, Jr. at the Crowne Plaza on election day in Knox County Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Newly-elected Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, left, and Rep. Steve Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat, exchange a fist bump from opposite sides of the aisle on the first day of the 116th Congress as the Democrats take the majority from the GOP, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. J. Scott Applewhite, AP

Friday, November 21, 2008 State Sen. Tim Burchett, center, laughs at a joke told by former representative H.E. Bittle, left, at Burchett's announcement he is running for county mayor. The "Bologna with the Burchetts" kickoff was hosted by Howard Phillips at Powell Auction. MICHAEL PATRICK, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett talks to volunteers manning phones in a common area near JC Penny's. Burchett and his staff organized a 12-hour telethon inside West Town Mall Monday, Jul. 29, 2013 to raise funds for the Mobile Meals program. By 9 a.m. they had raised over $34,000 for the program. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Tim Burchett is cheer by the crowd as he makes his appearance at the Knox County GOP election party on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 after winning the 2nd District U.S. House seat. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett congratulates the new citizens during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at the City County Building in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett announces his candidacy for Congress during his candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor TIm Burchett takes a selfie with Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, starring Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel, Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, left, takes a selfie with Dover Development Group managing director Rick Dover during Knox HeritageÛªs Preservation Awards ceremony Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at the Standard. Dover, honored for his conversion of the old Oakwood School into a senior living facility, was the recipient of the Knox County MayorÛªs Award and Preservationist of the Year Award. J. Miles Cary, J. MILES CARY/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett consults with Hugh Holt, Knox County's purchasing director, during the meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. The Knox County E-911 board of directors rejected a consultant's recommendation that a digital radio emergency communications system be awarded to Harris Corp. The board will not meet again until January. Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett stands for National Anthem during the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony presented by The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1078 of Knoxville at Lyons View State Veterans Cemetery on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Shawn Millsaps, Shawn MIllsaps/Special to the News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett talks with Mark Lett of the Knox County Veterans Office, and Eric Nash of the Marine Corp League during the dedication ceremony of the Connor Rd. bridge in memory of US Marine Corp Corporal Lawrence E. Lett on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Lett, who is Mark Lett's uncle, was killed in action in Korea on Oct. 27, 1952. He is a recipient of the Navy Cross and Silver Star. Saul Young, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Zenobia Dobson is greeted with a kiss by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett before the start of the "Stop the Violence" community forum at Fulton High School Wednesday, January 27, 2016. The forum comes one month after Dobson's son, Zaevion Dobson, was shot to death while shielding friends from gunfire. Saul Young, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero stand in front of the 9/11 Monument during the 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday, September 11, 2016, in Knoxville. Shawn Millsaps, Shawn MIllsaps/Special to the News Sentinel

Knoxville Chamber President and CEO Mike Edwards, right, along with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Commissioners Bob Thomas and Randy Smith announces that the EPA has designated Knox, Blount and Anderson counties as in compliance with federal standards for ground-level ozone Monday at the City County Building. SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County mayor Tim Burchett , center, and Knoxville Chamber president and CEO Mike Edwards listen to Bryon Joganich with Fulton Bellows during a meeting with local business owners at the Knoxville Chamber on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel Archives

In a Nov. 5, 1998 photograph, newly elected legislators Tim Burchett , left, and Jamie Hagood attend a luncheon hosted by Mayor Victor Ashe at the City County Building. Political newcomer Hagood was elected to the state house and Rep. Burchett was elevated to state senate. Paul Efird/News Sentinel Archives, Paul Efird/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, left, is greeted by Monsignor Xavier Mankel and former Knoxville mayor and former ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe during a dedication ceremony for the Ladies of Charity's new facility Friday, March 18, 2011 in North Knoxville. The Ladies of Charity focus on emergency assistance for food, clothing, utilities and medicine needs, as well as layettes for newborns. Paul Efird/News Sentinel Archives, Paul Efird/News Sentinel
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Dr. Alan Solomon, left, Mayor Madeline Rogero, Gov. Bill Haslam, former Mayor Victor Ashe, Joan Ashe, and Mayor Tim Burchett cut a ribbon to open the new $1.4 million Visitors Center at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, in East Knoxville. Joan Ashe is president of the Botanical Garden Board of the Directors and Solomon is a founding board member. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Schools superintendent Bob Thomas, left, and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, check out memorabilia displayed inside the new Gibbs Middle School on the first day of school on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said, “There’s been a lot of cooperation between the commission, the school board, and the financial people. To do all this without a tax increase and to pay down debt at the same time is unheard of really.” Nancy Anderson/Shopper News

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett takes a selfie with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam during an announcement ceremony by AllegiantAirat McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Allegiant announced that it would be adding two aircraft and a maintenance facility at McGhee Tyson; a $50 million investment that will create 66 jobs. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Tim Burchett with his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Isabel in the Town of Farragut's 31st annual Independence Day Parade Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The parade featured one veteran from each branch of the military serving as grand marshal, and all vets and active military were invited to walk behind the boat. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Dr. Bill Bass talks with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett during a ceremony and open house marking the opening of a new Regional Forensic Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014. The center, which is currently housed at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, will begin operating in the new facility on Thursday. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL) AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS, AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENT

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, left, talks a selfie with Alexandra Cousteau, center and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero at the Legacy Parks annual luncheon at the Seven Islands State Birding Park Friday October 13, 2017. Alexandra Cousteau, award-winning filmmaker, National Geographic Explorer, and global water advocate, was the featured speaker at the event. (J. Miles Cary/Special to the News Sentinel) J. Miles Cary / Special to the News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett takes a photo with supporter William Hughes, of Knoxville, after announcing his candidacy for Congress during the candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett kisses a supporter on the cheek after announcing his candidacy for Congress during a ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville on Aug. 5, 2017. Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett laughs during his introduction during his candidacy announcement for Congress during the candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett announces his candidacy for Congress during his candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett announces his candidacy for Congress during his candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

At center Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks to firefighters at the downtown Knoxville fire station during a barbecue lunch for local first responders Saturday, July 29, 2017. Knoxville man Larsen Jay threw the lunch to thank local emergency workers for responding to a life threatening accident he had 10 years ago. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

At left Rick Dover, general manager of Dover Development, and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett stand in the new Northshore Senior Living facility in West Knoxville on it's ribbon cutting day Thursday, April 13, 2017. It is the newest facility from Dover Development. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

Harrell Road Stormwater Park, Knox County's first stormwater demonstration park at 7221 Harrell Road, opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 26. The 19-acre park can be used to teach stormwater management practices and features two constructed stormwater wetland ponds that divert neighborhood runoff, a rain garden that treats stormwater runoff, established native vegetation, a three-quarter-mile walking trail, and a kayak/canoe launch connected to the Knox County Blueways. “Knox County is a great place to live and raise a family,” said county Mayor Tim Burchett. “It is spaces like this that will provide an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some time together. I’ve often said that I think it is important for our kids to be technologically advanced, but sometimes it’s important to turn off those computers and go outside.” Submitted photo

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks at an event announcing a multimillion-dollar sport and multipurpose facility to be built in Lonsdale as part of a project by the Emerald Youth Foundation, the city and county on Thursday, April 20, 2017. Caitie McMekin / News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks during the announcement of the $60 million downpayment assistance program for low to moderate income housing for 55 zip codes across the state sponsored by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency at the City County Building Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, presents a surprise proclamation honoring Purple Heart recipient Gerald Clark, left, at a reception marking the 58th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the Sherrill Hills Retirement Community on Friday Aug. 26, 2016. (J. Miles Cary/Special to the News Sentinel) J. Miles Cary

Knox County mayor Tim Burchett, right, greets students as they wait to enter a previous Back to School Bash at the Knoxville Expo Center. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL STAFF) Amy Smotherman Burgess

Van Meade, Air Force, is greeted by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, and City Councilman Finbar Saunders, left, as he boards his HonorAir Knoxville flight Wednesday, June 8, 2016 leaving McGhee Tyson Airport on their 21st flight to Washington, D.C. One hundred fifty East Tennessee Vietnam War veterans are traveling to see the memorials built to honor their sacrifices in a program established and presented by Eddie Mannis of Prestige Cleaners/Prestige Tuxedo. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) Michael Patrick

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks during the announcement of the new personal luxury hotel and residences, The Tennessean, in downtown Knoxville, on Thursday, April 7, 2016. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL) CAITIE MCMEKIN

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speak to a filled auditorium before the “Stop the Violence: A Community Conversation” forum at Fulton High School Wednesday, January 27, 2016. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL) Saul Young

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett walks into Thompson-Boling Arena with his family before a Celebration of Life service for the late Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at the University of Tennessee. Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history, died June 28 of early onset Alzheimer's disease. She was 64. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett makes a few remarks during a memorial service for four homeless veterans from East Tennessee, at the East Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery-John Sevier on Monday, June 6, 2016. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL)

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right and Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim McIntyre, left, demonstrate the slide for Mooreland Heights Elementary School second graders after the dedication and ribbon cutting for the schools new of the Cole Alexander Cross Memorial Playground, Monday, November 2, 2015. J. Miles Cary/Special to the News Sentinel J. Miles Cary

Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, right, with other officials including Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, breaks ground for the new Carter Elementary School on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. During McIntyre's tenure he built several new schools and implemented several new programs. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)

Congratulations began pouring in early from Burchett's former colleagues in the state legislature.

"Tim Burchett truly has a gift for public service," said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge. "He has proved time and again he has the ability to identify the true needs of his constituents and provide for them — at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer. I cannot imagine a better qualified person to serve in Congress at this time."

A GOP legacy

Republicans have won every election for the 2nd District seat since the Civil War. The last Democrat to hold the office stepped down in 1855.

The district covers Knox, Blount, Loudon, Claiborne and Grainger counties, and parts of Jefferson and Campbell counties.

Since 1964, the seat belonged to John J. Duncan Sr., who held the seat until his death in 1988, and son John J. "Jimmy" Duncan Jr., who won election in 1988. Duncan announced last year he wouldn't seek re-election.

U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., center, greets Gold Star father William Koprince during a Memorial Day program Saturday, May 23, 2015, at the Blount County Courthouse. Marine Lance Cpl. William "Billy" Koprince Jr. was killed in action Dec. 27, 2006, in Anbar province, Iraq. At right is Clayton Narveson, a Marine Corps veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima. News Sentinel

Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. talks with Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam during the grand opening for the Knoxville campaign headquarters for Haslam in his bid for governor on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Congressman Duncan announced his endorsement of Haslam during Saturday's event. News Sentinel

COngressman Jimmy Duncan Jr. waves to the crowd traveling with the East Tennessee Corvette Club as the Town of Farragut hosted their 23rd Annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 3, 2010. News Sentinel

John Duncan III is sworn in as Knox County Trustee by Judge Joe D. Duncan Wednesday, Sep. 1, 2010 at the City-County Building. His wife, Lindsay, holds the Bible and his parents, Lynn and U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr., stand with him during the oath. Judge Duncan is the new Trustee's uncle. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan Jr. talks about a painting that bears a likeness of himself at his home office in West Knoxville Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. The painting, which was created by Albert Baah and later given to Rep. Duncan, normally resides above the representative's fireplace but has been temporarily moved to his office to make way for Christmas decorations. News Sentinel

ADT operator Andrew Burch, left, is given a hero award from U.S. Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. at the ADT customer monitoring center in west Knoxville on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Burch helped to dispatch emergency personnel to a Minnesota family's home after they alerted their ADT device in a fire. News Sentinel

Congressman John J. "Jimmy" Duncan's grandson Beau Richardson, 9, looks over the bridge rail as his grandfather and other dignitaries and visitors walk across the bridge toward the "missing link" of the Foothills Parkway Monday, Jun. 24, 2013. The National Park Service held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the the completion of the Foothills Parkway. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan Jr., Jacob Watts and grandfather Bill Watts, left to right, talk following a ceremony honoring Watts father, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Watts, at the Knoxville Navy Operations Support Center on Alcoa Highway in South Knoxville Saturday, Mar. 9, 2013. Watts father was honored during the ceremony with the dedication of an anchor in his name after he was killed while serving in Iraq in 2004. News Sentinel

Alcoa Inc. Location Manager Ken McMillen, left, Sen. Lamar Alexander, Alcoa CEO Klaus Kleinfeld, U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., and Gov. Bill Haslam arrive for a groundbreaking for a $275 million expansion of the Alcoa Inc. rolling mill to produce automotive sheet aluminum on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Alcoa. With aluminum being used more and more in auto making, Alcoa is expanding to take advantage of that demand. News Sentinel

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander share the stage during a get out the vote rally Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at Cherokee Mills. Alexander is being challenged by state Rep. Joe Carr and Memphis radio station owner George Flinn for his senate seat. News Sentinel

0618abraham.MP -- News-Sentinel photo by Michael Patrick. Jeffery Christian, director of the Buildings Technology Center, explains some of the projects going on in his department to U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham (bottom right) Monday afternoon. Abraham visited several operations at ORNL and spoke to a group of employees about his plans for the Oak Ridge facilities and workers. In the center of the photo is ORNL director Bill Madia and on the far right is Congressman Jimmy Duncan. (Complete left to right for photo is Christian, Phil Fairchild, with BTC, David Garman, ast. sec of energy, Madia, Abraham and Duncan.) ASA200 Image #DSC_2651.JPG
*** caption is in cutin que in ATS *** Michael Patrick, Knoxville News-Sentinel

President Barack Obama arrives for his East Tennessee visit Friday, Jan. 9, 2014, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. At right is U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. and Gov. Bill Haslam. Obama is visiting Pellissippi State Community College to announce a new education initiative, then going to a high-tech production facility in Clinton to announce a private-public partnership in manufacturing innovation. News Sentinel

Duncan's exit made for a crowded campaign field as seven contenders vied for the Republican nomination. State Rep. Jimmy Matlock, R-Lenoir City, won Duncan's endorsement, but that — along with a series of negative ads — failed to win him the GOP nomination.